Cheapskate Phone

[Doug_Dangger]

I'm cheap.  Which phone for under $500 to buy.

 

Google Pixel 4A $350

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CFSZLQ4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

Nokia 5.3 $200

https://www.amazon.com/Nokia-Unlocked-Smartphone-AI-Powered-Charcoal/dp/B088ZQK2CN/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=nokia+5.3&qid=1613684644&s=electronics&sr=1-1

 

TCL 10 Pro $360

https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Unlocked-Android-Smartphone-Charging/dp/B087LZNMYB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=DBTHVDXY6OCA&dchild=1&keywords=tcl+10+pro&qid=1613684684&s=electronics&sprefix=tcl+10%2Celectronics%2C214&sr=1-2

 

Nokia 8.3 5G  $444

https://www.amazon.com/Nokia-Unlocked-Smartphone-6-81-Inch-T-Mobile/dp/B08JQRBWXH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9V3SLBGRMDTF&dchild=1&keywords=nokia+8.3+5g&qid=1613684718&s=electronics&sprefix=nokia+8.3%2Celectronics%2C206&sr=1-1

 

Iphone SE $400

https://www.apple.com/iphone-se/

 

 

 

I have T-Mobile and I want to get an unlocked phone.

 

Most important thing for me:

Performance

Durability (although it will be in a case)

Battery life

Software/update support

Ergonomics (button and finger print reader placement).

Camera I care for, but not the most important thing.

 

I don't care for:

Bezels - I don't get why people get a heart attack when they see a bezel.  They actually help prevent accidental touches from the base of your fingers and padding of your thumb.

Connectivity - I have all sorts of cables.

 

 

I don't want any Xiangchingchu or whatever Chinese spy phone.

[wall03]

16 minutes ago, Doug_Dangger said:

 

Iphone SE $400

https://www.apple.com/iphone-se/

this

 

16 minutes ago, Doug_Dangger said:

Performance

 

check

 

17 minutes ago, Doug_Dangger said:

Durability

check

 

17 minutes ago, Doug_Dangger said:

Battery life

 

check

 

17 minutes ago, Doug_Dangger said:

Software/update support

 

check

 

17 minutes ago, Doug_Dangger said:

Camera

check (it's not the best one...)

[OhioYJ]

On 2/18/2021 at 4:52 PM, Doug_Dangger said:

I'm cheap.  Which phone for under $500 to buy.

 

Google Pixel 4A $350

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CFSZLQ4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

Iphone SE $400

https://www.apple.com/iphone-se/

 

I would say both of those meet all of your requirements. It just comes down to whether you like Android or Apple devices.

 

There's already a fair amount of community support behind the Pixel 4A as well, which means it should be well support even after Google stops supporting it. Even the original Pixel phone has Android 11 thanks to the community support.

 

For what it's worth, personally had several Google devices I've had good experiences buying directly from Google. I've had several now. I had an issue with one, was able to call Google directly, explained my troubleshooting process, and they replaced the device no further questions asked.

[Commodus]

Based on your criteria, the iPhone SE is the best overall pick (although I'd happily take a Pixel 4a if pressed).

 

The iPhone absolutely clobbers the other devices in raw performance. It's not even close. The others will be fine for everyday apps, but anything intensive will be noticeably better on the SE.

 

It's also the pick for software support by far. Apple can generally guarantee five years of major OS updates (and likely some minor updates beyond that)... and when an OS update is ready, you can get it immediately instead of playing a waiting game like you do with Android.

 

The camera system is good, but not stunning; it's basically an iPhone 8 with better image processing. I'd give the Pixel 4a the nod here, but if you're not a major photo junkie you'll still be happy.

 

About the only thing that might not thrill you is battery life. The iPhone SE will get you through a day of normal use, but it's not spectacular and might wear down a bit quicker than others. Might be worth budgeting for an eventual battery replacement if you intend to keep it for two to three years.